Sutured Securement of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters Yields Fewer Complications in Pediatric Patients

Abstract

Background: Pediatric peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) can be secured with tape, sutures, or sutureless securement devices. Despite widespread catheter use, no standardized method of securement has been proven superior. Methods: A prospective randomized trial of catheter securement with either tape or suture was undertaken in pediatric patients hospitalized at a tertiary children's hospital. Patient demographics, catheter dwell time, and all catheter complications were collected. All patients were followed for the entire dwell time of the catheter, including those discharged with lines still in place. Results: Sixty-six patients completed the study, with 34 children in the suture group and 32 children in the tape group. Patients' ages ranged from 9 months to 19 years. Overall complication rate in our sutured group was 5.8%, and 32.4% in the tape group. Conclusions: In this study of children of varying ages, sutured PICCs were associated with significantly fewer complications than those catheters secured with tape (p = .005). The 3 most common complications included migration, occlusion, and leaking catheters.

This was a prospective randomized trial investigating the complications of suture vs tape securement of peripherally inserted central catheters in pediatric patients.

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